Typically, both No Frills and Walmart sell groceries at a lower price than you’d find at a grocery store chain like Loblaws, Sobeys or Metro.
But, which retailer is actually cheaper? No Frills, or Walmart?
To determine the cheapest retailer, I purchased the exact same 20 grocery items at Walmart, then and at a nearby No Frills. The grocery list represents a typical shop for a 30-something single mom (a friend of mine, who I brought along).
In total, 12 out of the 20 grocery items were cheaper at No Frills:
Allen’s Juice: $1.25
Silk Almond Milk $4.49
Whole Wheat Wonder Bread: $2.50
Cloverleaf Flaked Light Tuna: $1.50
Grape Tomatoes: $2.99
Scooby-Doo Fruit Snacks: $3.29
Breton Original Crackers: $2.50
Rice Krispies cereal: $7.00
Astro Original Yoghurt: $3.00
Hellmans Real Mayonnaise: $6.00
Ben's Original Bistro Express: $3.29
Catelli Classic Penne: $2.49
In total, 8 out of the 20 grocery items were cheaper at Walmart:
Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Light: $2.27
Old El Paso "Stand n' Stuff" Taco Shells: $3.97
Dole Crushed Pineapple: $2.47
Balderson Old Cheddar Cheese: $9.98
Kraft Smooth Peanut Butter: $4.97
Classico Tomato Basil Spaghetti Sauce: $2.97
Mr. Noodles: $0.97
KD Original: $1.57
Find the full detailed spreadsheet linked here.
Sales and Other Considerations
Three of the 12 cheaper No Frills items (Allen’s juice, Silk Almond Milk, and Whole Wheat Wonder Bread) were marked on sale. Meanwhile, three items (Whole Wheat Wonder Bread, Kraft Smooth Peanut Butter, and Classico Tomato Basil pasta sauce) were on sale at Walmart. While both retailers offered the same number of price-reduced items, Walmart offered a notable number of sales when you purchased more than one of the same item (which I did not). For example, Astro Original Yoghurt and Scooby Doo Fruit Snacks were both cheaper if you purchased three.
I noted that both the Catelli Classic Penne pasta and the Rice Krispies cereal available and purchased in the two stores varied slightly by size. So, I was sure to calculate and document the cost per gram to accurately determine the cheapest retailer. Another caveat: I originally purchased KD gluten-free from Walmart (where I shopped first) and realized that No Frills didn't have any in stock. So, I purchased a three-cheese KD at No Frills and decided, for comparison purposes, to compare the price of an ordinary box of KD at both stores.
The Price Match Difference
While eight items may be cheaper at Walmart, here’s the catch: the nearest No Frills actually price matched with FreshCo, Longos, Real Canadian Superstore, and Walmart. Walmart, on the other hand, doesn't price match. So, if you have no problem taking your time a the cashier, you can price match the items that are cheaper at Walmart. Just make sure you have a clear screenshot of the competitors' price to show the cashier.
With that said, not all No Frills locations price match with Walmart, so be sure to check.
Not only is No Frills generally cheaper, it’s also typically more convenient, with more locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Not to mention, not all Walmart locations feature an extensive grocery section, only Walmart Supercentre stores.
Winner: No Frills.
